Online Video Poker in Michigan

Since its start in the 1970s, video poker has been a staple of all casinos, from Michigan online casinos to retail casinos up and down the states. Only slots are more popular, and the two are often compared – but loyal players would disagree. That is because, when it comes to video poker, skill is involved; every player needs a good video poker strategy to maximize their chances of winning.

Players looking to play free video poker can claim the Michigan no deposit casino bonuses and win real-money prizes without risking their own money. And to get the most out of that bonus money, check out this online video poker strategy guide.

Quick Links:

• Promotions & How To Play
• Rules of the Game
• Types of Video Poker
• Video Poker Payouts
• 7 Video Poker Strategies
• Video Poker FAQ

Can You Play Video Poker Online In Michigan?

Yes, real-money online video poker is legal at Michigan online casinos. In fact, every single one has at least a few video poker variations, including the famous Game King video poker option. Here are the best Michigan online casino bonus codes that anyone 21 and up and located within state lines can claim:

Terms and conditions apply. Make sure video poker is an eligible game before claiming a bonus. Please practice responsible gaming.

Can You Play Free Video Poker Online In Michigan?

Taking advantage of Michigan online casinos’ promotions and bonuses is the best way to play free video poker. As a result, you can start playing, use your free credits, and gain an advantage.

Alternatively, you may wish to try a demo version of your favorite game. However, you will not be playing with real money and will not collect any winnings, but rather try it out and practice your strategy. All the games at Golden Nugget Online are available in demo practice mode, no signup or download required.

Types Of Online Video Poker Promotions In Michigan

Video Poker Welcome Bonuses

Aside from the free spins offers that are slots-only promos, all Michigan online casino bonus codes apply to video poker play. These include deposit-match bonuses, risk-free play, no-deposit bonuses, and beyond.

Video Poker Promos for Existing Users

Once you sign up at an online casino, you’ll have access to all the ongoing promotions. If you play video poker as your preferred game, it’s also highly likely that the online casino will send you personalized bonuses specific to video poker.

Rewards Programs

The best online casino rewards programs in Michigan give players points every time they place a bet on any game, including video poker. You can then redeem those points for free play credits for any games, including video poker. Some sites, like BetRivers Casino, have a bonus store, where players can spend rewards points on things like deposit-matches and free spins as well.

Video Poker Rules

The game is played with a standard 52-card deck based on five-card poker. There are some variances where one or more Jokers are included as wild cards. 

Winning hands are almost the same as regular poker, with the Royal Flush (10 to Ace, suited) being the big jackpot. The lowest winning hand will vary based on the variance of video poker you’re playing. Most commonly, a pair of jacks or better wins your wager back.

Regardless of the variance, all follow the same rules:

1. Choose your coin value, which starts as low as $0.25 up to $50 or more. 
2. Place your wager from one to five coins.
3. Click the, “Deal,” button, and the computer will give you five random cards from the single deck.
4. Select the cards you want to hold and don’t select the cards you want to replace. You can hold all five cards, replace all five cards, and any combination between. This is where having a good video poker strategy is essential (more on that further down).
5. Note that the pay table will highlight the hand you currently have before you draw again. For example, if you have two 10s and two 4s, you’re guaranteed to win a two-pair if you keep those four cards.
6. When you’re ready, click, “Draw,” and the computer replaces your discarded cards with new cards from deck.
7. Collect winnings, if any, then cash out or continue playing.

Top 5 Best Video Poker Variations

While all types of video poker follow the same general rules, there are many different variations. Below are brief descriptions of each of the most popular types of video poker:

1. Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is one of the most straightforward versions, and you can find it at any casino. It is the most played, and most players start with it. The highest hand is the Royal Flush, while a pair of Jacks is the lowest. Pair of 10s or lower does not get anything. 

2. Deuces Wild

The second most-played version of video poker is the Deuces Wild. Here, the 2s act as wilds (can replace any other card.) Because you have four wild cards, the pay tables are different. The lowest paying hand is 3 of a kind, meaning having one or two pairs won’t get you anything.

Also, having wilds gives you a higher chance of getting a Royal Flush, so the game pays a lot lower for a Royal Wild Flush.  Furthermore, Deuces Wild offers one of the best payouts, up to 100.76%, but that one is rear.

3. Bonus Poker

Almost identical to Jacks or Better, many players won’t notice they’re playing a different video poker game. Where it defers is the higher payoff for select 4-of-a-kind hands, which is 25 to 1 in Jacks or Better.

If you get four Aces in Bonus Poker, the game pays 80 to 1 (higher than a Straight Flush), while landing four deuces, 3s, or 4s pay 40 to 1. The rest is the same as in Jacks or Better

4. Double Bonus Poker

As the name might tell, this game is the same as Bonus Poker, but with double the payouts for landing 4-of-a-kind. That translates to winnings of 160 to 1 for Aces, 80 to 1 for deuces, 3s, and 4s, and 50 to 1 for all the rest. Also, some Double Bonus Poker games pay over 100%, making it an exceptionally sought-after variance of video poker.

4. Joker (Jester) Wild

This variation includes a Joker, making it a 53-card deck. The payouts are similar to Jacks or better, with some exceptions. First, the lowest winning hand is Kings or better. Also, the win for two pairs is often the same as Kings or better. 

Moreover, the game pays less for a Royal Flush with a Joker, similar to Deuces Wild. Additionally, there is a payout for five of a kind, usually second highest after natural Royal Flush.

5. Ultimate-X Poker

Ultimate-X is a fun game that is very popular in Michigan. It allows you to play simultaneously multiple hands of your favorite video poker variance. The most common types of Ultimate-X Poker are triple, five, and ten play, with respectively three, five, and ten hands played at once. 

You bet per each hand, so for example, if you play a ten-play poker, and you bet 10 cents per hand, your total bet would be $1. You can also select the bonus feature, where you double your wager but play with multipliers. 

Multipliers are activated when you win a hand. Depending on the pay table, that would be your multiplier for that hand in the next draw (e.g., winning a pair in Jacks or better will give you a 2x multiplier for the next draw).

Video Poker Payouts & RTP

Video poker is a game of skill and luck. So, to increase your chances, you need to know the pay table of the game you’re playing. Not all casinos offer the same payouts, so you need to know what your chances are. See below for the most common pay tables and payouts.

1. Jacks or Better

To figure out the pay table, you must look at the coin winnings for a Full House and a Flush. If the Full House pays nine coins and the Flush six, the pay is 9/6. See the table for the highest payouts:

2. Deuces Wild

To read this video poker variance, you need to look at multiple pay lines, starting with the Wild Royal Flush and down. For example, if a Wild Royal Flush pays 25 coins, 5-of-a-kind pays 15 coins, a Straight Flush pays nine coins, 4-of-a-kind pays five coins, a Full House pays three coins, and a Flush pays two coins, then the payout will look like 25/15/9/5/3/2. See the table below for the highest payouts. 

 As you might have noticed, the top pay table is above 100%. That means the house loses money, but this pay table is rare.

3. Bonus Poker

As discussed earlier, this video poker variance is very similar to Jacks or better, only with higher payouts for selected 4-of-a-kind hands. So, accordingly, the pay tables are read the same. See below for the highest payouts.

4. Double Bonus Poker

Once again, you read pay tables the same as Jacks or Better, except some include the coin winnings for a Straight. For example, if a Full House pays nine coins, a Flush pays seven coins, and a Straight pays five coins, the pay table will look like 9/7/5. 

Once again, you will see that the top paytable pays over 100%. 

5. Joker Poker

Joker Poker video poker pay tables are more complicated, as you need to read from the top down. If a Royal Flush pays 800 coins, 5-of-a-kind 200 coins, Wild Royal Flush 100 coins, Straight Flush 50 coins, 4-of-a-kind 20 coins, Full House seven coins, Flush three coins, Straight five coins, 3-of-a-kind two coins, two pairs one coin, and Kings or better one coin.

Video Poker Strategy & Tips

You should always have a plan when you play and never go in blindly. Read below for some expert tips to increase your chance of winning. 

1. Know the rules

You shouldn’t play video poker without knowing the rules. Get familiar with them before you try your luck in any Michigan online casino.

2. Know the pay tables

You must always know the paytables as stated above. That way, you can maximize your chances of winning.

3. Use promo offers, bonuses, and rewards to your advantage

All of the online casinos in Michigan offer great welcome bonuses and offers. By taking advantage of them, you can essentially play free video poker and increase your chances of winning without breaking the bank.

By joining a VIP or rewards program, you will continuously receive the newest offers and get benefits.

4. Know which cards to hold

One of the main dilemmas in video poker is deciding which card to hold. Here are some pointers to help you:

• Don’t give up a low pair: Hold on to a low pair unless you’re one card away from a Straight or Flush. It’s not worth discarding a low pair for a chance of a high one.
• Don’t chase a Flush or Straight at all costs: Don’t go in for a Flush or Straight if you have only two or three cards. However, you should go for it if you have four.
• Break a Straight or Flush for a Royal Flush: If you have an opportunity for a Royal Flush (10 to Ace, suited), break other combinations.
• High card: If there is no pair or other combination potential, hold on to a high card (depending on the game, but often Jack or better.)

5. Always play the max (if possible)

First, always play within your budget, which is essential to Responsible Gaming. The chances of scoring a Royal Flush are slim, and you should always quit when you’re ahead and within your limits.

With that said, if you’re comfortable and within your budget, your best chance to win a big payout is if you play the max bet. Playing the highest wager gives out the best bet-to-win ratio. 

6. Practice playing free video poker

Most online casinos in Michigan offer a free version of the game. Simply find the one you like and select “Demo Play.” You can get more familiar with the dynamics, understand the game, and improve. Additionally, playing free video poker will allow you to practice your strategies.

7. Master one or two games

Find a game that you like and stick to it. Learn it, create a video poker strategy and master it. Most people stick to Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, or Bonus Poker, but that’s entirely up to you.

Trying to be the best at multiple variations is not advisable.

Michigan Online Video Poker FAQs